THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN DUBLIN
After a few days in Dublin, it’s time to reflect. How did we experience this journey? What were our joys, disappointments, questions, doubts, and discoveries? This is not merely an assessment of a country but rather of a trip—how we perceived it individually and subjectively.
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
François’ Travel Reflections
The idea of exploring Ireland’s vast green landscapes has been on my mind for a long time. I’d love to drive around the island so I can stop wherever I want, enjoy nature, and take in the scenery. The problem: my husband isn’t too keen on the idea. He’s worried it’ll be long, that there won’t be much to see, and that we might get a bit bored. To be fair, we’ve already done a similar trip: Iceland.
It was with my in-laws that we toured the island a few years ago. It was beautiful, yes. Different, yes. Interesting, yes. But still, a bit repetitive. So those concerns ended up derailing the trip to Ireland until an opportunity came along.
My job gave me the chance to spend a week abroad to improve my English. Two options: Dublin or Malta. The choice wasn’t hard. I hate the heat and I love beer. So I said no to sun, beaches, and crystal-clear waters, and chose the cold and rain instead. Seeing that I’d be discovering a new place on my own (and probably not wanting to stay home alone), Benjamin agreed to join me for a few days in the chilly, grey Irish weather.
Dublin isn’t a city that dazzles at first sight. It’s not beautiful in the classical sense. Not spectacular. Coming to Dublin right after Vienna or Prague, the architectural contrast is hard to miss. Say goodbye to palaces, Gothic arches, and Baroque flair—hello red brick and industrial vibes. It’s far from an Instagram-perfect destination.
Still, the moment you set foot in Dublin, you feel something in the air. A kind of energy. People living, laughing, chatting in the streets, meeting up in pubs over a beer. There’s something relaxed, deeply alive. It’s less stiff, more laid-back, more easygoing. The coldness of Eastern Europe fades away. You walk the streets without feeling judged by the much more polished Viennese. You can breathe. Dublin is raw, but it’s simple.
What’s really great about Dublin is the connection with the locals. They’re direct, warm, and down-to-earth. There’s no façade. You immediately feel they’re not putting on an act, not pretending to be nice. They just are, period. (I’d felt something similar with Polynesians.) You walk into a pub—any pub—and within ten minutes, you might find yourself chatting with a sixty-year-old guy about the weather. No awkwardness, no distance, no need to “break the ice.”
Let’s talk about those pubs. They’re the heart and soul of Dublin. They’re not just places to grab a pint—they’re refuges, true institutions. Places full of life, noise, laughter, music… Somewhere to settle in for the evening with friends or just for a quick pint of Guinness. They’re often dimly lit, the decor usually a bit worn out, and the menu pretty basic. Yet the atmosphere is unbeatable. Groups of friends laughing, slightly tipsy regulars talking loudly, live music playing… It’s hard not to get swept up in it all.
A trip to Dublin always leaves an impression on visitors. Everyone I know who’s been there has something to say about the city. Some remember the almost constant showers, while others hold on to the image of a small, lively, and welcoming town.
As for me, my best memories will be those pints shared with classmates after a day of lessons, chatting in a pub with varying levels of English, our voices drowned out by the music and surrounding noise. I had the chance to meet some incredible people during this short stay in Dublin. Classmates and housemates, we built strong bonds, and I truly hope to take you up on all your invitations to visit, from Spain to Italy, through Slovakia, Taiwan, and the French countryside.
Alcohol has that unifying quality. It also has the power to set aside awkwardness and hesitation, making it easier to communicate in a foreign language. Just what you need to make the most of a language stay. Come to think of it, maybe that’s where the warmth of the Irish comes from: they probably have alcohol running through their veins instead of blood.
Is Dublin Worth Visiting?
But of course! The kindness of the Irish, their friendliness, and their love of a good time will guarantee you a great experience. With a pint of Guinness (alcoholic or not) in hand, in a pub buzzing with atmosphere, you’ll quickly forget that it’s probably pouring outside and after a few pints (with alcohol), you’ll find yourself belting out Les Lacs du Connemara at the top of your lungs.
Check out Benjamin’s Travel Reflections:
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